Screening for harmful alcohol use during pregnancy is feasible in busy obstetrical clinics and acceptable to women, a US study has determined (Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research 2003;27[1]:81-7). The survey of 1131 pregnant women at 8 Michigan clinics found that despite repeated warnings, 15% still drank occasionally. Most had less than 1 drink a week (86%), but 7% had at least 1 binge of 5 or more drinks per week. These women were generally younger, smoked tobacco and were in the early stages of pregnancy.
Only 54% of drinkers said their obstetrician warned them about drinking alcohol while pregnant. According to the researchers, this reflects known trends among clinicians, many of whom feel they don't have the time or training to address drinking-related issues with their patients. They hope the survey results will convince physicians that their staff can screen patients for alcohol use and detect those who should receive follow-up.
“We may be able to identify, through quick screening, the women who may be at highest risk for harmful outcomes for themselves and their infants, and stop those potentially risky behaviours,” said lead author Heather Flynn of the University of Michigan Addiction Research Center. “But first, we need to better understand the relationships between drinking, tobacco use and other mental health issues in pregnancy.” — David Milne, Toledo, Ohio
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